USNCS

UNITED STATES NATIONAL CAD STANDARD ®
- VERSION 4.0 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION
Introduction
An Overview
The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Facility Information Council (FIC) (formerly
the CADD Council) facilitated the development of the United States National CAD Standard®
(NCS), and will continue to support its evolution in the future. The Standard is comprised of three
documents previously published by member organizations of the FIC and the report of the NIBS
NCS Project Committee. The NIBS report includes this Introduction, Administration, and
Appendixes, with amendments to the constituent documents as approved by the committee. The
report describes how the constituent documents are related to one another, resolves discrepancies
between them, and ensures the full integration of the previously independent parts. The
constituent documents include:
• AIA CAD Layer Guidelines, The American Institute of Architects;
• Uniform Drawing System, Modules 1-8, The Construction Specifications Institute; and
• Plotting Guidelines.
The origins of the NCS (see A Brief History below) can be traced to a Memorandum of
Understanding (see Appendix C) signed by the above publishing organizations as well as the
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA) and the United
States General Services Administration (GSA). Broad building design and construction industry
support is evidenced by the membership of the NIBS FIC Board of Direction (see Appendix G),
under whose auspices the NCS Project Committee operates.
The constituent documents have undergone a thorough review and comment process by the NCS
Project Committee, the body formed by the FIC to review and comment on the existing
publications that comprise the Standard. The Committee followed the NIBS Consensus Process
in conducting its work. This process ensures broad, democratic participation by all interested
persons and organizations. It provides a framework for the coordination and integration of the
previously independent parts. Additionally it establishes a mechanism for revising the constituent
documents to meet the needs of the broadest possible spectrum of users.
NCS INTRO-1
- VERSION 4.0 INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
This Overview is intended to provide you with a brief history of the development of the NCS and
to inform you of the process for its future evolution and development. The remainder of the
Introduction is organized according to the following topics:
• Adoption and Implementation:
How Vision Becomes Reality
• Implementation:
The Role of Design Professionals
The Role of Building Owners
The Role of Building Design Software Developers
• Benefits:
Why Should You Adopt the United States National CAD Standard?
Benefits for Building Design Professionals
Benefits for the General Contractor and related Sub-contractors
Benefits for the Client/Building Owner
Benefits for the Entire Building Design and Construction Industry
• The United States National CAD Standard:

One Element of a Larger Framework
A Brief History
• The Facility Information Council:

History, Mission, Governance
• The United States National CAD Standard NCS Project Committee:

How You Can Participate
NCS INTRO-2
- VERSION 4.0 AIA CAD LAYER GUIDELINES
INTRODUCTION
Layer Name Format

Hierarchy of Data Fields
The layer name format is organized as a hierarchy. This arrangement allows users to select from a
number of options for naming layers according to the level of detailed information desired. Layer
names consist of distinct data fields separated from one another by dashes. A detailed list of
abbreviations, or field codes, is prescribed to define the content of layers. Most field codes are
mnemonic English abbreviations of construction terminology that are easy to remember.
There are four defined layer name data fields: Discipline Designator, Major Group, two
Minor Groups, and Status. The Discipline Designator and Major Group fields are mandatory.
The Minor Group and Status fields are optional. Each data field is separated from adjacent fields
by a dash (“-”) for clarity.
The complete U.S. NCS layer name format, showing the Discipline
Designator, the Major Group, two Minor Groups, and the Status fields.
A I - W A L L - F U L L - D I M S - N
Before You Begin

The NCS allows you to select from a number of format options for creating layer names. It is
recommended that you select the options that you wish to use for layer names on a given project,
and then apply the resulting format consistently for all layer names on that project.
Note that for conceptual conformance to ISO 13567, Organization and Naming of Layers for
CAD, the layer name format and length must be the same for all layers on a given project. See
“Commentary: NCS and ISO 13567” (CLG-81) at the end of AIA CAD Layer Guidelines for
detailed information about ISO conformance.
CLG-5
INTRODUCTION
Discipline Designator, Level 1

A typical layer name showing the The Discipline Designator denotes the category of subject matter contained on the specified layer.
required data fields only. The Discipline Designator is a two-character field. The first character is the discipline character,
and the second character is an optional modifier. The Discipline Designator is described in
Note that only the mandatory greater detail on page UDS-01.10. For a complete list of Discipline Designators see Appendix A
discipline character is shown, beginning on page CLG-89 and Appendix A of Drawing Set Organization beginning on page
creating a Level 1 Discipline UDS-01.29.
Designator.
LEVEL 1 DISCIPLINE DESIGNATORS
A - WA L L
A Architectural
B Geotechnical
Δ C Civil
D Process
E Electrical
F Fire Protection
G General
H Hazardous Materials
I Interiors
L Landscape
M Mechanical
O Operations
P Plumbing
Q Equipment
R Resource
S Structural
T Telecommunications
V Survey / Mapping
X Other Disciplines
Z Contractor / Shop Drawings
CLG-6
CIVIL LAYER LIST
Layer Name Description New Layer Name Description New

Civil (continued) Civil (continued)
C -AFLD-YELO-TICK Airfields: yellow paint: tick marks C -CATV-UGND Cable television system: underground
C -BLDG Buildings and primary structures C -CEME Cemetery
C -BLDG-DECK Buildings and primary structures: C -CHAN Navigable channels
deck (attached, no roof overhead) C -CHAN-BWTR Navigable channels: breakwater
C -BLDG-OTLN Buildings and primary structures: C -CHAN-CNTR Navigable channels: center
outline
C -CHAN-DACL Navigable channels: de-authorized
C -BLDG-OVHD Buildings and primary structures: channel limits, anchorages, etc.
overhead
C -CHAN-DOCK Navigable channels: decks, docks,
C -BLDG-PRCH Buildings and primary structures: floats, piers
porch (attached, roof overhead)
C -CHAN-NAID Navigable channels: navigation aids
C -BLIN Baseline
C -COMM Telephone communications
C -BLIN-STAN Baseline: stationing
C -COMM-OVHD Telephone communications:
C -BORE Borings overhead
C -BRDG Bridge C -COMM-POLE Telephone communications: pole
C -BRDG-CNTJ Bridge: construction joint C - COMM-UGND Telephone communications:
C -BRDG-CNTR Bridge: center underground
C -BRDG-DECK Bridge: deck C -CTRL Control points
C -BRDG-EXPJ Bridge: expansion joint C -CTR L-BMRK Control points: benchmarks
C -BRDG-FALT Bridge: fault / break line C -CTRL-FLYS rol points: fly station
C -BRDG-HIDD Bridge: objects or lines hidden from C -CTRL-GRID Control points: grid
view C -CTRL-HORZ Control points: horizontal
C -BRDG-OBJT Bridge: objects C -CTRL-HVPT Control points: horizontal / vertical
C -BRDG-OBJT-PRIM Bridge: objects: primary C -CTRL-PNPT Control points: panel points
C -BRDG-OBJT-SECD Bridge: objects: secondary C -CTRL-TRAV Control points: transverse
C -BRDG-RBAR Bridge: reinforcing bar C -CTRL-VERT Control points: vertical
C -CATV Cable television system C -DFLD Drain fields
C -CATV-OVHD Cable television system: overhead C -DFLD-OTLN Drain fields: outline
C -CATV-POLE Cable television system: pole
CLG-20
- VERSION 4.0 UNIFORM DRAWING SYSTEM
DRAWING SET ORGANIZATION
Sheet Identification
The sheet identification format has its roots in traditional construction drawing techniques.
However, the advent of systems methods, overlay drafting, and CAD has demanded more
consistency in labeling and organizing sheets. These technologies have also provided an
opportunity to expand the role of the sheet identifier. Accordingly, the sheet identification format
is a key part of UDS.
AANNN Standard Sheet Identification

The sheet identification format is applicable to both manual and CAD drawing production. It is
Discipline Designator
consistent, yet flexible enough for a wide range of project scopes. The UDS sheet identification
format depicted here includes the following components:
AANNN • the discipline designator, consisting of one alphabetical character and a hyphen or
two alphabetical characters.
Sheet Type Designator • the sheet type designator, consisting of one numerical character
Δ
• the sheet sequence number, consisting of two numerical characters
A ANNN The one- or two-character discipline designator identifies the sheet as a member of a subset.
Sheet Sequence Number A sheet type designator that identifies the type of information on the sheet is followed by
the sheet sequence number.
A = alphabetical character Recognizing the wide variance in project complexity, UDS allows two levels of sheet
identification. Either of these or a combination of the two can be used to suit the project or the
N = numerical character intended use of the drawings. Level 1 offers the simplest identification format and would be
suitable for all but the most complex projects. Level 2 provides guidance for complex or special
types of projects. Refer to Appendix A for examples of the two levels of sheet identification.
SHEET IDENTIFICATION UDS-01.9

Note that the hyphen in the Level 1 discipline designator is a required place holder in the absence
A NNN of the second character. The hyphen is preferred rather than a decimal point due to the use of the
“dot” in electronic file names. Alternatively, an underscore may be used to replace the hyphen
Level 1 Discipline Designator when a particular operating system does not accept hyphens in file names.
AANNN Δ Discipline Designator

Level 2 Discipline Designator The first component of the sheet identification format, the discipline designator, is based on the
traditional system of alphabetical discipline designators, using either a single alphabetical
character with a hyphen (Level 1) or two alphabetical characters (Level 2).
Discipline Designator
The discipline designator denotes the category of subject matter contained in the file or on the
layer designated. A dash always follows the Level 1 discipline designator; a dash is not used
A when the Level 2 discipline designator is used.
Discipline Character
A
Modifier Character
A = alphabetical character
N = numerical character
SHEET IDENTIFICATION UDS-01.10

-VERSION 4.0 UNIFORM DRAWING SYSTEM
Designator
Description of
Level 1 Level 2 Suggested Name Content
- HK User Defined
V - Survey/Mapping All or any portion of subjects included in Level 2
- VA Aerial Aerial surveyed points and features

- VF Field Field surveyed points and features
- VI Digital Digitized points and features
- VU Combined Utilities
- VJ User Defined
- VK User Defined
B - Geotechnical All or any portion of subjects included in Level 2
- BJ User Defined
- BK User Defined
C - Civil All or any portion of subjects included in Level 2
- CD Civil Demolition Structure removal and site clearing

- CS Civil Site Plats, dimension control
- CG Civil Grading Excavation, grading, drainage, erosion control
- CP Civil Paving Roads, driveways, parking lots
- CI Civil Improvements Pavers, flagstone, exterior tile, furnishings,
retaining walls, and water features
- CT Civil Transportation Waterways, wharves, docks, trams, railways,
people movers
- CU Civil Utilities Water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, power,
communications, fiber optic, telephone, cable
television, natural gas, and steam systems
- CJ User Defined
- CK User Defined
APPENDIX A UDS-01.30
SHEET ORGANIZATION
Figure 02.2 Drawing area coordinate system.
SHEET LAYOUT UDS-02.8

SHEET ORGANIZATION
Note Block
The note block is the module or modules within the drawing area where keynotes, general notes,
and key plans are located. Not all sheets will have a note block. The note block is located in the
far right column of the drawing area. A key plan block, when used, should always be located in
the lowest module of the note block. Refer to Figure 02.3. If the sheet does not have a note
block locate the key plan block in the lowest module next to the title block. Refer to Figure
04.14 in the Drafting Conventions Module.
Figure 02.3 Note block.
SHEET LAYOUT UDS-02.9

SCHEDULES
Column Identifier Options

The variations in schedules between simple and expanded are related to the amount or complexity
of distinguishing features shown by adding distinct column identifiers.
Additional distinguishing features can be subdivisions within a class or subject of a distinguishing

feature. These additions are shown by expanding the column identifier with additional column
sub-identifiers.
A simple schedule can present distinguishing features using a single-tier column identifier. For
example, Figure 03.5 illustrates a simple room finish schedule with a single column identifier for
the overall category of walls:
ROOM FINISH SCHEDULE
NO ROOM NAME FLOOR BASE WALL CEILING NOTES
101 Entry A
Figure 03.5 Single-tier column identifier.

A column sub-identifier can be added as a second tier to expand the simple schedule to distinguish
the four walls of a room that may receive different treatments, as indicated in Figure 03.6.

WALLS
NO ROOM NAME FLOOR BASE CEILING NOTES
N E S W
101 Entry A A A C
Figure 03.6 Double-tier column identifier with column sub-identifiers.
BUILDING A SCHEDULE UDS-03.11

SCHEDULES
The schedule can further expand the distinguishing features of a wall with more information by
adding a third tier of column sub-identifiers for material, finish, and color for each of the four
walls. Refer to Figure 03.7.
WALLS
ROOM
NO NAME FLR BASE N E S W CLG NOTES
MATL FIN CLR MATL FIN CLR MATL FIN CLR MATL FIN CLR
101 ENTRY A P1 1 A V 2 A P1 1 C P2 3
Figure 03.7 Triple-tier column identifier with column sub-identifiers.
The multiple tiers of information in the expanded schedules are somewhat like paragraph levels,
presenting new information with the addition of each column sub-identifier.
For each of the previous examples, Figure 03.8 illustrates the use of a key to relate additional notes
and information to the schedule.
MATERIAL KEY FINISH KEY COLOR KEY
A GYPSUM BOARD P1 PAINT, SEMI-GLOSS 1 OFF WHITE
B CERAMIC TILE P2 PAINT, FLAT 2 GRAY
CONCRETE VINYL WALL

C V 3 TAN
MASONRY UNIT COVERING
Figure 03.8 Material key, finish key, and color key.
BUILDING A SCHEDULE UDS-03.12

SCHEDULES
COLUMN COLUMN SUB-

HEADING IDENTIFIER IDENTIFIER UNIFORMAT
Plumbing Fixture Schedule Mark D2010
(Simple) •
DIV 23 - HEATING, VENTILATING, AND AIR CONDITIONING
Solar Equipment Schedule D3070
Heat Pump Schedule Mark D3030
Area Served
Manufacturer
Model
Cooling Capacity
Heating Capacity
Volts/Phase
Amps
HVAC Pump Schedule Mark D3030
Type
Area Served
Size
Total Head
Pump Speed
Efficiency
Minimum Motor Power
Volts/Phase
Variable / Constant Volume Air Mark D3050
Terminal Unit Schedule •
Manufacturer
Model
• Indicates example schedule provided in Appendix B.

APPENDIX A—SCHEDULE CONTENT CHECKLIST UDS-03.29
DRAFTING CONVENTIONS
Three types of north arrows exist: true north, magnetic north, and plan north. True north points to
the North Pole, and magnetic north is a compass point deviating slightly from true north and plan
north. Magnetic north is rarely indicated and should be combined with true north unless the
project is near the North Pole. Plan north provides a reference point parallel to the plan grid.
Refer to Figure 04.2. Place the north arrow and the plan north arrow in the lower right-hand
corner of the drawing block title. Refer to Figure 04.3. When north, plan north, or magnetic
north are indicated with separate symbols, place them adjacent to each other in the lower right-
hand corner of the drawing block, located above the drawing block title symbol.
Figure 04.2 Diagrammatic illustration of north arrow.
Figure 04.3 North arrow location in the drawing block title.
DRAWING STANDARDS UDS-04.4

In large or multistory projects, a sheet containing small scale plans for all levels drawn at 1:200 or
1:500 (1/16" or 1/32" = 1'-0") scale or smaller may be included in the set to provide an overview
of the project and serve as a quick reference. This sheet is useful if the floor plan is divided into
segments to fit in a standard size sheet. It is also useful if the project will be constructed in
phases. Consistency of the display of information throughout the set is important. For example, a
column plan detail should be shown in the same orientation as it is shown on the floor plan.
Refer to Figure 04.4. An enlarged section detail should also have the same orientation as the wall
section or building section from which it is derived.
Figure 04.4 Plan detail having the same orientation as the floor plan.

WIDTH OF LINE IN mm USE OF LINE
Extra Fine 0.13 Fine detail which cannot be accomplished using a fine (0.18
___________________ mm) line.
Fine 0.18 Material indications, surface marks, hatch lines, patterns.
Thin 0.25 Text: 2.5 mm (3/32") to 10 mm (3/8")

Dimension lines, leaders, extension lines, break lines, hidden
objects, dotted lines, dashed lines, setback lines, center lines,
grid lines, schedule grid lines.
Medium 0.35 Text: 4 mm (5/32") to 10 mm (3/8")
Object lines, property lines, text, lettering, terminator marks,
door and window elevations, schedule grid accent lines.
Wide 0.50 Text: 6 mm (7/32") to 10 mm (3/8")
Titles, edges of interior and exterior elevations, profiling. Cut
lines, property lines, section cutting plane lines, drawing block
borders.
Extra Wide 0.70 Text: 13 mm (1/2") to 25 mm (1")
Match lines, large titles, footprints, title block borders, sheet
borders, schedule outlines.
XX Wide 1.00 Major title underlining and separating portions of designs.
XXX Wide 1.40* Border sheet outlines and cover sheet line work. (*ISO 128-
20-1996)
XXXX Wide 2.00 Border sheet outlines and cover sheet line work.
Common Line Types

In addition to object lines, the following lines apply to all disciplines and drawing organization:

TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Objectives
The objective of the Module is to provide a standardized resource for construction terms and their
abbreviations. It is not the objective of the Module to encourage the use of abbreviations. The
Project Resource Manual – CSI Manual of Practice states that, whenever possible, terms should
be spelled out and abbreviations should be used only to reduce time and space or where
appropriate to improve clarity. The increased use of computer-aided drafting (CAD) has reduced
the time required for writing text and notes on drawings, and the need for abbreviations. The use
of obscure or undefined abbreviations results in a flawed project. When the meaning of an
abbreviation is in doubt, spell it out!
Methodology
The terms included in this Module were selected using the following criteria:
• The term has six or more letters. Terms with five letters or fewer should not be abbreviated.
However, certain commonly used terms (such as “build” and “center”) have been included.
• Trade association acronyms, such as UL, ASTM, and NFPA, have been included if the
organization publishes standards likely to be referenced on drawings.
• Common English language terms have not been included. Some examples are “afternoon”
(PM) and “Central Standard Time” (CST).
• Abbreviations representing professional licenses, certifications, or memberships associated
with a person’s name are not included. It is assumed that the professional, whose name is on
the documents, will define and control the proper format of his name. American Institute of
Architects (AIA), Professional Engineer (PE), and Certified Construction Specifier (CCS)
are examples.
• Terms in conflict with industry-accepted terminology do not have abbreviations. The proper
term is shown in the “Notes” column and its abbreviation is in the Module.
• Symbols that contain letters are not abbreviations.
INTRODUCTION UDS-05.2
Terms
Term Abbreviation Shared Abbreviation Notes
A
abandon ABAN
abbreviation ABBRV
abnormal ABNL
above finished counter AFC automatic frequency control
above finished floor AFF
above finished grade AFG
above finished slab AFS
above suspended ceiling ASC amps short circuit; asphalt surface course
abrasive ABRSV
abrasive hardness Ha
abrasive resistant ABRSV RES
absolute ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
absorption ABSORB
access door ACS DR
access floor ACS FLR
access panel ACS PNL
accessible ACC
acid/alkaline scale pH
acid resistant ACID RES
acid resistant cast iron ACID RES CI
acid resistant pipe ACID RES P
acid resistant vent ACID RES V
acid resistant waste ACID RES W
acid vent AV air vent; audio visual
acid waste AW actual weight; architectural woodwork
TERMS UDS-05.5
Abbreviations
Abbreviation Term Shared Abbreviation
1PH single-phase
1P single pole
1WAY one-way
2/C two-conductor
2WAY two-way
3/C three-conductor
3PH three-phase
3PLY three-ply
3WAY three-way
4/C four-conductor
4OUT quadruple receptacle outlet
4PDT four-pole double throw
4PST four-pole single throw
4W four-wire
4WAY four-way
A
A LABEL Class A door
A/C air condition
A/C UNIT air conditioning unit
A/E architect/engineer
AACE American Association of Cost Engineers
AAD automatic air damper
AAMA American Architectural Manufacturers Association
AAP alarm annunciator panel
AAV automatic air vent
UDS-05.93
SYMBOLS
MF NO DESCRIPTION TYPE SYMBOL
section indicators for building

01 42 00
with break standards, typical
R
IDENTITY (I), LINE (L), MATERIAL (M), OBJECT (0), REFERENCE (R), and TEXT (T) SYMBOLS UDS-06.26
SYMBOLS
MF NO DESCRIPTION TYPE SYMBOL
section indicators for partial

01 42 00
building, typical
R
wall type indicator, medium line,

01 42 00
typical
R
window type identifier,

01 42 00 2.5 mm (3/32") text, medium line, R
typical
SYMBOLS
MF NO DESCRIPTION TYPE SYMBOL MF NO DESCRIPTION TYPE SYMBOL
DIV 02 EXISTING CONDITIONS DIV 03 CONCRETE
subsurface investigation,
02 30 00 I 03 30 00 concrete, cast in place M
trench exploration completed
subsurface investigation, beam, precast, double T

02 30 00 I 03 41 00 O
trench exploration proposed shape
subsurface investigation, precast concrete,

02 30 00 I 03 48 00 I
tunnel exploration completed communications vault
subsurface investigation, precast concrete, electrical

02 30 00 I 03 48 00 I
tunnel exploration proposed vault
site remediation, storage precast concrete, fuel oil

02 50 00 I 03 48 00 I
container agent vault
NOTATIONS
Reference Keynotes
Reference Keynotes: Identify graphic Reference keynotes may be used to identify graphic representations of items and directly
representations of items and directly reference reference them to specific sections in the specifications. Reference keynotes can identify General
them to specific sections in the specifications. or Execution requirements from a specification section and can convey Division 01 requirements.
Example: 01 56 00.A01—TEMPORARY DUST BARRIER TYPE 1
Reference keynote symbols are located within the graphic and notation area of the drawing
block. They consist of an identifier and are connected to the graphic by a leader. Each symbol
that appears on the sheet is listed in the sheet’s note block along with a brief, generic text note
that describes the graphic. For clarity and more exacting identification, a given reference
keynote is unique to the object or material it identifies. If an object or material is shown
repetitively on the drawing sheet or elsewhere within the set of drawings, the same unique
keynote should be used as a consistent identifier. Refer to Figure 04.26 of the Drafting
Conventions Module for a typical drawing block format.
Reference keynote symbols consist of the following components, as shown in Figure 07.4:
• Root: The specification section number corresponding to the section number location
where the object or material is specified.
• Decimal Point: A place holder separating the root from the modifying suffix.
• Suffix: A capital letter following the decimal point, which allows multiple keynotes to
reference the same specification section. The letters I and 0 should not be used as they
may be visually confused with the numbers 1 and 0. Reference keynotes always have a
suffix.
• Suffix Modifiers: Optional numeric characters following the suffix allow creation of
numerous unique reference keynotes that would otherwise be limited to the available
Figure 07.4 Components of reference keynotes. letters of the alphabet. They can be customized as needed to further differentiate among
related or similar items with different attributes (size, color, thickness, etc.). Suffix
modifiers, when used, should always include two numerical characters, e.g.,
07 70 00.A01.
TYPES OF NOTES UDS-07.9

NOTATIONS
• Reference Keynote Modifiers: Optional, user-defined descriptive text. These notes,

when used, appear underneath the reference keynote symbol only in the drawing block.
These modifiers serve to reduce the amount of unique keynotes required to identify
variations in the size, number, spacing, or other feature of an object or material where
that object or material might be shown elsewhere on the drawing in different
configurations.
Reference keynotes are tabulated sequentially within the note block along with a brief generic
text description to identify the item within the specifications. Reference keynotes follow any
general notes (general notes, general [discipline] notes, or general sheet notes) that may appear in
the note block. Reference keynotes that appear in the note block are formatted to include
• The full reference keynote symbol including the root, decimal point, suffix, and any
suffix modifiers.
• The brief generic text describing the object or material with the same terminology used
within the specifications. To ensure clarity and proper coordination among documents,
avoid abbreviations, non-preferred terms, and terms that deviate from the specifications.
Do not include any reference keynote modifiers that appear only in the drawing blocks.
• The note block may be formatted with optional headings identifying specification
divisions and/or subheadings identifying specification section titles. These headings and
subheadings provide drawing users with easier visual navigation of the reference
keynotes and serve as an organizing aid for preparing the note block. It is essential that
the reference keynote identifiers in the note block be carefully checked to ensure they
are the same as those drawn within the graphic and notation areas of the drawing block.
The text information following the symbol should be concise, consistent with the
terminology contained in the specifications, and accurately identify the item. Likewise,
the terminology used in the notes should reflect that of the specifications for ease of
Δ coordination and consistent communication of information.
• Refer to Figures 07.5 and 07.6.
TYPES OF NOTES UDS-07.10

CODE CONVENTIONS
Type of Information
The organization of information related to the determination of regulatory compliance within
construction documents is grouped in 12 categories, as follows:
Category Group Brief Description
1–General Items related to the overall project, including: owner and
project identification; site location and jurisdiction; design
professional identification; contractor identification;
synopsis of applicable construction regulations; and
effective dates.
2–Site Items related to the project site, including: distances to lot
lines; site grading; flood control; environmental impact
statements; deed restrictions; and zoning information.
Zoning includes: zoning use classification; site coverage
data; floor area ratio (FAR) data; parking data; signage
data; fire districts; and historical preservation.
3–Building Items related to the overall building design, including:
identification of use groups (occupancy); type of
construction; and building height and area. An overview
of site-specific structural considerations relative to
seismic and wind design are often included.
4–Life Safety-Egress Items related to means of egress, including: occupant loads;
identification of exit access from rooms and spaces; exit
travel distance; number and capacity of exits for each
floor; stair and door details; and egress and exit lighting.
5–Fire Protection- Items related to built-in-place (passive) fire protection,
Passive including: fire-resistance ratings of various components and
assemblies; identification of mixed uses; opening
protectives (e.g., fire doors); penetrations; and interior
finish.
IDENTIFICATION OF REGULATORY INFORMATION UDS-08.4

CODE CONVENTIONS
Drawing Location
Category Level 1 Level 2 Suggested
Group Regulatory Information Project Project ** Format
4–Life Safety- Means of Egress Design Criteria
Egress
See Appendix C – Room-by-Room Egress G-1xx or G-0xx GI0xx or GI1xx Graphic or Text
See Appendix D – Floor-by-Floor Egress G-1xx or G-0xx GI0xx or GI1xx Graphic or Text
Occupant load(s) A-1xx GI0xx or GI1xx Graphic or Text
Building exits per floor (arrangement; required/actual) G-1xx or G-0xx GI0xx or GI1xx Graphic or Text
Exit capacity per floor G-1xx or G-0xx GI0xx or GI1xx Graphic or Text
Travel distance (allowable/actual) G-1xx or G-0xx GI0xx or GI1xx Graphic or Text
Means of egress lighting E-1xx or PM EL1xx Graphic
Interior finish classification (allowable/actual) A-0xx/PM GI0xx/PM or Text
AF0xx
Corridor, stair, and door details A-5xx AE5xx Graphic
5–Fire Passive Fire Protection Design Criteria

Protection- Provides the design framework used in conjunction with the building
Passive design criteria regarding assemblies required to be fire-resistance rated.
See Appendix E – Fire-Resistance Ratings G-0xx GI0xx Text or Graphic

Fire-resistance ratings of building elements, including tested design Z-5xx Z5xx Graphic
number (required/actual)
Firestopping shop drawings, including tested design number G-1xx GI1xx Graphic
Mixed use (occupancy) separations G-1xx GI1xx Graphic
Fire-resistive assembly location plan PM PM Text
Firestopping, including tested design number PM PM Text
Plastics PM PM Text
** dash removed from Version 3.1 (was G1-0xx)

CODE CONVENTIONS
Drawing Location
Category Level 1 Level 2 Suggested
Group Regulatory Information Project Project ** Format
6–Accessibility Accessibility Design Criteria
Provides the design framework for the site and architectural drawing
disciplines. Federal, state, and local requirements may impact design
considerations.
See Appendix F – Accessibility C-1xx GI1xx Graphic
Exterior accessible routes, including parking C-1xx GI1xx Graphic
Location of public facilities on site C-1xx GI1xx Graphic
Accessible entrances A-1xx GI1xx Graphic
Interior accessible routes A-4xx AE4xx Graphic
Clear floor space/maneuverability clearances C-1xx GI1xx Graphic
Detectable warnings and signage (exterior) A-1xx AE1xx Graphic
Detectable warnings and signage (interior) A-4xx AE4xx Graphic
Toilet and bathing facilities A-4xx AE4xx Graphic
Elevator and area of rescue assistance details A-1xx AE1xx Graphic
Occupancy-specific accessible features (e.g., assembly, A-1xx AE1xx Graphic
residential dwelling units)
7–Energy Energy Design Criteria
Provides the design framework for the architectural and drawing
disciplines as well as mechanical and electrical construction
documents. Energy-related information is often located in the project
manual. Often requires supporting energy envelope calculations.
Design conditions (temperatures) G-0xx GR0xx Text
Envelope systems analysis G-0xx GR0xx Text
Envelope insulation levels G-0xx GR0xx Text
Air leakage/infiltration, sealing G-0xx GR0xx Text
Glazing type (fenestration) and areas G-0xx GR0xx Text
** dash removed from Version 3.1 (was G1-0xx)

- VERSION 4.0 PLOTTING GUIDELINES
COLOR PLOTTING
Color Plotting
This section addresses color printing of non-raster CAD drawings. The following color table
assumes the CAD software utilizes color numbers and allows the user to select from 255 colors.
The following table establishes consistent print settings for use in creation of color plot/print files.
Actual printed colors may vary between printers/plotters. Red, Green, Blue (RGB) values given
are based on default AutoCAD® screen color numbers.
PG-7

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UNITED STATES NATIONAL CAD STANDARD ®

- VERSION 4.0 INTRODUCTION

• The United States National CAD Standard:

• The Facility Information Council:

• The United States National CAD Standard NCS Project Committee:

Layer Name Format

Before You Begin

Discipline Designator, Level 1

Layer Name Description New Layer Name Description New

AANNN Standard Sheet Identification

SHEET IDENTIFICATION UDS-01.9

AANNN Δ Discipline Designator

SHEET IDENTIFICATION UDS-01.10

- VA Aerial Aerial surveyed points and features

B - Geotechnical All or any portion of subjects included in Level 2

C - Civil All or any portion of subjects included in Level 2

- CD Civil Demolition Structure removal and site clearing

Figure 02.2 Drawing area coordinate system.

SHEET LAYOUT UDS-02.8

Figure 02.3 Note block.

SHEET LAYOUT UDS-02.9

Column Identifier Options

Additional distinguishing features can be subdivisions within a class or subject of a distinguishing

ROOM FINISH SCHEDULE

NO ROOM NAME FLOOR BASE WALL CEILING NOTES

Figure 03.5 Single-tier column identifier.

ROOM FINISH SCHEDULE

Figure 03.6 Double-tier column identifier with column sub-identifiers.

BUILDING A SCHEDULE UDS-03.11

ROOM FINISH SCHEDULE

Figure 03.7 Triple-tier column identifier with column sub-identifiers.

MATERIAL KEY FINISH KEY COLOR KEY

A GYPSUM BOARD P1 PAINT, SEMI-GLOSS 1 OFF WHITE

B CERAMIC TILE P2 PAINT, FLAT 2 GRAY

CONCRETE VINYL WALL

Figure 03.8 Material key, finish key, and color key.

BUILDING A SCHEDULE UDS-03.12

COLUMN COLUMN SUB-

• Indicates example schedule provided in Appendix B.

Figure 04.2 Diagrammatic illustration of north arrow.

Figure 04.3 North arrow location in the drawing block title.

DRAWING STANDARDS UDS-04.4

DRAWING STANDARDS UDS-04.5

WIDTH OF LINE IN mm USE OF LINE

Fine 0.18 Material indications, surface marks, hatch lines, patterns.

Thin 0.25 Text: 2.5 mm (3/32") to 10 mm (3/8")

Common Line Types

DRAWING STANDARDS UDS-04.14

Term Abbreviation Shared Abbreviation Notes

Abbreviation Term Shared Abbreviation

MF NO DESCRIPTION TYPE SYMBOL

section indicators for building

MF NO DESCRIPTION TYPE SYMBOL

section indicators for partial

wall type indicator, medium line,

window type identifier,

MF NO DESCRIPTION TYPE SYMBOL MF NO DESCRIPTION TYPE SYMBOL

DIV 02 EXISTING CONDITIONS DIV 03 CONCRETE

subsurface investigation, beam, precast, double T

subsurface investigation, precast concrete,

subsurface investigation, precast concrete, electrical

site remediation, storage precast concrete, fuel oil

TYPES OF NOTES UDS-07.9